Whether you’re treating yourself or are in search of a gift, here are some of the best cameras out right now, including affordable point-and-shoots, compact interchangeable lens cameras and full SLR models

Chances are you already own a camera — or dare we say it, you only use your smartphone to take pictures. But thanks to falling prices and a handful of new features, the timing is right for an upgrade.

After all, we’re talking about capturing your once-in-a-lifetime moments, especially with the holiday rapidly approaching, so you might as well do it with the best quality available for the budget. And photos aren’t just for enjoying now, but for future generations, too.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a new model or are in search of a gift, the following are some of the top cameras in 2012, including affordable point-and-shoots, compact interchangeable lens cameras and full Single Lens Reflex (SLR) models.